Auction to decide two new PSL teams | The Express Tribune

The HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to expand to eight teams, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) preparing to auction two new franchises ahead of PSL 11.

The development was confirmed by PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer while speaking to reporters at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.

According to Naseer, the tender process for the new teams will begin in November, with interested investors allowed to choose from a designated pool of city names.

“An auction will be held for two new PSL franchises. Bidding parties will be given a pool of city names from which they can select one team,” said Salman Naseer.

Along with the addition of new teams, discussions are underway to expand the league’s footprint across Pakistan. The PSL is currently played across Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan, but the PCB is working toward including:

“We are seriously considering hosting PSL 11 across six venues. Peshawar’s Imran Khan Stadium only needs minor upgrades and should be ready soon,” Naseer stated.

“Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium is also being prepared, and matches have already been scheduled there leading up to PSL 11.”

He added that the goal is for teams to play true home games, with each franchise returning to its home venue, something that has not always been possible in previous seasons.

“There is strong interest for the two new teams. We are expecting healthy competition among bidders,” Naseer confirmed.

The league currently features, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Peshawar Zalmi, Islamabad United, Quetta Gladiators, and Multan Sultans.

The addition of two new sides will mark the first major expansion since the inclusion of Multan Sultans in 2017.

HBL retains title sponsorship

Both parties today announced a major partnership renewal, confirming that the two forthcoming editions of Pakistan’s biggest cricket brand shall be known as HBL PSL 11 and 12.

In a landmark deal, HBL exercised its right to match the Fair Market Value determined by an independent expert valuer for the Title Sponsorship of the forthcoming two editions of PSL.

This renewal further solidifies a decade-long association, as HBL has been the PSL’s exclusive and proud title sponsor since the League’s inception in 2016 and signifies HBL’s enduring trust and investment in the PSL brand which continues to experience commercial growth.

Since PSL 1, the value of Title Sponsorship Rights has increased by 505%.

PSL CEO, Mr. Salman Naseer, said: “We are absolutely delighted and extremely grateful to HBL for extending their historic association with the Pakistan Super League for HBL PSL 11 and 12. HBL’s decision to continue their phenomenal journey with the

PSL is a powerful statement of confidence in the league’s immense commercial value, its strategic importance to the nation and recognises the league’s position as one of the world’s leading T20 cricket tournaments.

“HBL has been more than a sponsor; they have been a dedicated partner in the journey to develop and showcase the best of Pakistan cricket to the world. We look forward to working closely with them to make the next two seasons our most successful yet.”

Commenting on the partnership, Abrar Ahmed Mir, Chief Information & Transformation Officer – HBL said: HBL is pleased to renew its commitment as a Title Sponsor to Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) flagship platform, the HBL Pakistan Super League (HBL PSL) for two more years till 2027. The Bank remains committed to amplifying the success of this tournament, ensuring the HBLPSL remains a platform that inspires the youth of our cricket loving nation and support the communities that the Bank serves.

HBL Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, Mr. Ali Habib, added: The HBL PSL has evolved into a powerhouse brand and a national institution. Our decision to extend the title sponsorship reflects HBL’s core philosophy of ‘enabling dreams’ – a promise delivered through the PSL platform by launching numerous national and international stars. HBL has and always will support and nourish national endeavors.

As the proud title sponsor, we are dedicated to supporting the PCB in delivering the most exciting and world-class cricketing experience in 2026 and 2027, further elevating the stature of HBL PSL on the global stage.